Advent in Zagreb - It's the most wonderful time of the year
Zagreb's Advent has already been recognised as one of the best and merriest events in Europe. This year, it is defending its title of the best Christmas fair, adding up to 10 new locations and enriching the program with numerous new activities. The European Best Destinations portal has enlisted Zagreb's Advent on the list of the best European Christmas fairs thus entering this year's competition for the best fair, but we are sure that the competitive spirit will not overpower the holiday spirit. Experience pure joy of Advent, from 26th of December to 8th of January, all over Zagreb.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Igor Nobilo
One of the prominent locations of Zagreb during Advent is Fuliranje. Fulir is an old Zagrebian term for a nice, well-mannered person who is always in a mood to fool around but would never kill your good mood by saying something tacky. From 26th of November to the first day of 2017, Tomićeva street located at the bottom of the funicular is becoming the most crowded spot with the best vibes in town. The best contemporary domestic restaurants and bars along with craft and design shops are the main factors of its popularity. The concept of a funky street mingle is something that will put a smile on your face every time you remember your holiday spent in Zagreb.
European square during Advent
Image Credit: Advent Zagreb, Sanjin Kastelan
Hanging out on the European Square is a perfect way of losing track of time. It seems so intimate and fairy-tale-like and you're feeling like you are in a different and tiny town. Numerous food stalls to fit your every need, a murmur of amusement and mulled wine aromas – what’s there not to like? Kurelčeva street is also a part of Fuliranje project, and I see it as a part of the European square vibe. It is so fun to see dozens of stalls, each and every one representing one city and its country-related cuisine. “Meet me in Paris” has a new romantic meaning.
Image Credit: Advent Zagreb, Sanjin Kastelan
Before this Christmas event in Zagreb became the major one, there were only a few traditional attractions at this time of the year. Good news is that the tradition is preserved and it got a gazillion times merrier.
The customary Christmas fair stalls are put on Bogovićeva and Gajeva Street near the Main Square. I remember when I was little, the stroll through Bogovićeva was one of the best feelings. My mum and I would walk so slowly, subtly examining what each stall was selling. Then I’d carefully choose the best toy after walking the street a couple of times before deciding. My mum would already know what my plan was so she would just wait for me to make up my mind and eventually couldn’t resist buying the toy for me, just because she observed the decision-making process of her 7-year-old baby. Another great memory is having dinner cancelled and mum buying me a hotdog from one of the stalls. I also remember visiting the live nativity scene in front of the Cathedral, being eager to check if baby Jesus is already in his crib. Even when he wasn’t there, I’d pet the goats and sheep which was so awesome.
Image Credit: Advent Zagreb, Sanjin Kastelan
My favourite Christmas shopping place is ArtOmat in Meštrović Pavilion - a place of numerous educational workshops, performances and exhibitions displaying imaginative works of art. The unconventional works of art are not only aesthetically appealing, but are a real opportunity to purchase one of a kind gift for your beloved ones.
Image Credit: Advent Zagreb, Sanjin Kastelan
From 26th of November, the Christmas spirit will inhabit ten new attractions, and you have probably read about some of them on our blog. New locations are added to the map such as Grič tunnel, Museum of Contemporary Art in Novi Zagreb, Santa’s enchanted castle and many more of them in the city centre.
Grič tunnel is an ingenious place to visit when in Zagreb due to its mysterious history background and the vicinity of the city centre, so set your high expectations for the Advent in the tunnel. When entering the Grič tunnel you will set foot into a fabulous Christmas fairy tale as you will be surrounded by 3D installations on the ceiling, video projections and ambiental music.
The Advent edition of Dvorišta is the opposite of its traditional summer version. From 3rd to 23rd od December, visit the courtyards of Gornji grad (Upper town) and enjoy concerts and a rich gastronomic programme. If you are up for some music, hit one of the three grand domes on Strossmayer promenade.
One of the most beautiful Croatian tales is about to be recreated on the dreamy Vranicani meadow near the Lotrščak tower. The plateau will be decorated as Stribor’s forest, a prominent fairytale by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic whose famous stories will be read.
Oktogon is about to take it up a notch and dress up as a fashion street. The memorable passage is going to host 12 Croatian designer fashion shows and a jazz-programme, from 10th to 31st December.
Feeling kinda artsy? Head to Design district on Martićeva street to admire the unconventional cottages, amazing workshops and fun concerts.
Novi Zagreb has always been a little left out when it comes to big events taking place mostly in the city centre. This year, the Museum of Contemporary Art will be embellished with 15 cottages where you could try food from Zagreb’s best restaurants. While you may enjoy concerts, your kids will have fun on one of the workshops. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s enchanted castle with 30 igloos on Velesajam! Join the magic tour to hear Christmas tales and, give a hand to Santa’s elves and even meet the real Santa.
Speaking of kids, Strossmayer square will be the merriest spot in town for children. Aptly chosen cartoons and movies, delicious food prepared especially for kids, theatre shows and many workshops are a guarantee you little ones are going to have a blast At Rudolph’s. There are even ponies you can pet.
Klovićevi dvori are a real hit! Gradec plateau, known for its astonishing view, will become a special photo-spot – make the snow fall by pushing the magic button! Enjoy the rich music programme before heading downtown to enjoy the aromatic mulled wine and authentic sausages from one of the stalls all over the city centre.
Check the full list of Advent attractions on the official site.
Header Image Credit: Advent Zagreb, Sanjin Kastelan
Author: Karla Knezevic